Nathan looked up, his innocent eyes lighting up with a smile. "I'll love anything you buy, Uncle!"
My cousin's face broke into a proud grin, as if Nathan's approval validated his entire existence. "You're so smart and sweet," he said loudly, his voice dripping with exaggerated affection. Then, as if on cue, his expression darkened. "Unlike that useless brat of mine. Dumb and clumsy as ever."
The sharp change in his tone sent a chill through the room.
Rowan flinched as his father's furious eyes landed on him. Still standing by the door, he looked down, shoulders hunched as if trying to make himself invisible.
"You! Get in here! What are you standing there for, like some stray dog?" my cousin bellowed, marching over to him.
Before I could intervene, he grabbed Rowan by the ear and yanked him forward. The boy stumbled, but his father wasn't done. "Honestly, I don't know who you take after. You're nothing but a worthless mutt, making me angry just by existing!"